The PSA has received enquiries from members about the requirements for providing evidence of illness when taking sick leave.

These requirements are outlined in Section 80. Sick Leave – Requirements for Evidence of Illness of your Award, the Crown Employees Reviewed Award 2009.

This section states:

80. Sick Leave – Requirements for Evidence of Illness

80.1 An employee absent from duty for more than 2 consecutive working days because of illness must furnish evidence of illness to the Department Head in respect of the absence.

80.2 In addition to the requirements under subclause 79.2 of clause 79, Sick Leave of this award, an employee may absent themselves for a total of 5 working days due to illness without the provision of evidence of illness to the Department Head. Employees who absent themselves in excess of 5 working days in a calendar year may be required to furnish evidence of illness to the Department Head for each occasion absent for the balance of the calendar year.

80.3 As a general practice backdated medical certificates will not be accepted. However if an employee provides evidence of illness that only covers the latter part of the absence, they can be granted sick leave for the whole period if the Department Head is satisfied that the reason for the absence is genuine.

80.4 If an employee is required to provide evidence of illness for an absence of 2 consecutive working days or less, the Department Head will advise them in advance.

For privacy, members can provide their medical certificate outlining the nature of the injury or illness directly to Work, Health and Safety rather than their direct supervisor.

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